Telephone system.



0. BRISBOIS.

TELEPHONE SYSTEM.

APPLICATION mum Jun. 1913.

Patented Jam 5, 1915.

5 SHEETS- 55E127. L

. V M W H U hrmm 1 fim v n 5 HXN am r! r. u 7 my a L e a x i w L l 0. BRISBOIS.

TELEPHONE SYSTEM.

APPLIOATIOI run: ma. '1, 1913.

1,123,476. Patented Jan. 5, 1915.

m e snnn'ra-aanm 2'. &

4V A I ig 5270 Era? 0. gmsams. TELEPHONE SYSTEM.

I APPLICATIO! TILED JANA, 1918. 1,123,476. Patented m 5,1915.

6 SHEETS-BEER! 3.

TELEPEOHE SYSTBN. APPLIOAHQH $11123 3:135. 7,1913.

hma m ae Patented Jan. 5, 1915 ODIEON BRISBOIS, OF CHICAGO, ILLINOIS, ASSIGHOIL OF ONE-HALE T0 \HILLIAM.

LOBIMER, JR, 013 C HICAGU, ILLINOIS.

TELEPHONE SYSTEM.

Application filed. January 7,

To (all I I/1mm it 1/2 o concern Bo it known that I, (hunon Bmsnors, a citizcn of the United States, residing at hicago, in the county of Cool; and State of Illinois. have invented certain new and useful improvements in 'lelephonc Systems of which the following is a specification.

This invention relates to a telcphone system of that general class in which a prepay or coin box is used, and to the instruments usc l in conjunction with such system.

The invention has particular reference to unity line. telephone systems of the autoinatic type as distinguishcd from the Bell or manual typo. in the automatic system the central exchange is provided with a number of sclcctor mechanisms which are operated by impulses of current received from the calling stations and which serve to effect connection between the calling and called stations. The impulses of current for operating thcsc selectors are delivered to the lines by suitable signaling mechanisms which are usually mounted in the bases of the telephone instruments themselves. These signaling mechanisms deliver the aforesaid impulses or pulsations of current to the lines for the purpose of actuating the selector mechanisms in the exchange.

it the outset. it will he understood that u'hcrc. in tho specification and claiins I speak of a party line, I have reference to an electric circuit extending from a central exchange. and to which circuit are connected a nunlhcr of separate telephone instruments or stations, any one of which is adapted to use the line either as calling or called station. it Will also he understood than vvhcre I speak oi. a station l have relcrence to a tclcphone instrument for re-- ccivin; or transmitting messages taken in conjunction with the associated and immediately adjacent accompanying mechanisms and connections. Thus. under ordinary circunistanccs, a stall would include tho telephone instrument- 11; the ringing loos, the coin box. and the immediately adjacent sud intcrrelatcd connections.

A. serious objection has been raised to tie use of automatic telephones for party line service in which use is made of prepay stations. for the reason that heretofore. far as l mu auarc. therc has not been such an interdependence between the operation of Specification of Letters Eatent.

the si u ial ng and selecting mechanism, the listcnin and talking mechanism, and the coin box mechanism, as to make it imperative that a calling party should place a coin in his coin box before he could secure connection with a called party.

One of the main objects of the present invention is to so interrelatc and connect the above named incchanisrns, that it vvillloc impossi lc for a calling party to effectively operate the signaling mechanism of his station for the purpose of actua f .g the selector mechanism in the exchange to secure connection with 9. called party, until a coin has been dropped into his coin box and stands on the float arm thereof in the neutral position. In this way the calling party will be forced to insert or drop his coin into his coin box before it will be possible for him to take any cfiectivc steps toward securing conncction with the called party.

Another ohicct of thepressnt invention is to sowintcrrelate and interconnect the dif fcrcnt instruments and mechanisms of each station as to make it necessary to throw the coin from the float arni before a conversation can be carried on with a called party ratio may have responded. lfieverthelcss, this result is accomplished without destroying or injuring the capability of the calling station to operate as a receiving station,thus making it possible for the calling party to tell. b listening in his receiver, Whether or not the callcd party has responded, or Whether the called line is busy thus en ahlin z, ,jtho calling party to know Whether to collect his coin into the coin box, or to return the Both of the above named objects are directed toward the feature of making it ncc cssary for a calling party to place his coin in his coin. box in order to efiectively operate his signaling mechanism for the purpose of securing: connection with 2. called party.

Another feature of my invention has reference to interrelationship existing between the diti'crentart cs and stations of an automatic party line telephone system. The automatic tcle 'ihone. previously used in part line servicc, as far as I am aware has always been subject to the objection that, in case one party of such party line obtains connection with another station, and. then another party of such party line cuts in. onto the line by raising his receiver, he thereby automatically cuts off the'connection of the first party with the party line, or at least impairs that connection to such an extent 5 that it then becomes necessary for such first party to insert, another coin into his coin box in order to again gain access to the line or connection with the party to whom he was talking. This objection is of such a serious nature that, up to the present time, the automatic telephone has been excluded from'the field-of prepay party line service, as far as being a practical instrument is concerned.

Another objection to the use of the automatic telephone in connection with prepay mechanisms, as far as I am aware, is that the inherent nature of such instrument as now constructed is such that the insertion of a coin into the coin box does not always accomplish the intended result of placing the calling party in communication with a called party. Whenever the mechanism fails to operate properly, the insertion of.

another coin becomes necessary, and this is, of course, a serious objection to the use of such an instrument.

' Both of the objections enumerated immediately above are due to the inherent nature of the prepay mechanism which is now used for automatictelephone service, and also to the mannerof interconnecting such prepay mechanisms with the automatic telephone instruments. One of the features of such interconnection and interrelationship is that the listening and talking circuit is not out directly onto the line by the raising of the telephone receive-r, but depends for its continuity upon the effectiveness of an electrical contact in the prepay mechanism. If for any reason this contact fails to operate properly'the transmitting and receiving mechanism will be inelfectne for the'purposes in-- tended. It sometimes happens that the insertion of a coin into the form of coin box at present in use fails to cause this contact to be properly established within the coin box, with the consequence that another coin must be inserted as was previously stated.

One of the objects-of the present invention is to overcome the aforementioned dilliculties by the provision of an arrangement such that the act of raising the receiver from the hook will serve to bridge the transmitter and receiver of the calling instrument directly across the line without the necessity of closing or actuating any contacts in the coin box mechanism itself.

Other objects and uses of systems and instruments embodying features of the present invention will appear from a detailed description of the same which consists in the features of construction and the arrangement of parts and circuits shown and described in the specification and claims.

In the drawings: Figure 1 shows an electrical diagram of one arrangement of parts and connections embodying features of my invention; Fig. 2 shows a bottom View of certain contacts of the signaling mechanism in the base of the instrument; Fig. 3 shows a cross section through a coin box embodying the features of that shown in Fig. 1, Fig. 3 being taken on line 3-3 of Fig. 4 looking in the direction of the arrows; Fig. 4 shows a section taken on line 4-1 of Fig. 3 looking in the direction .of the arrows; Fig. 5 shows a section taken on line 5-5 of Fig. 4 looking in the direction of the arrows; Fig. 6 shows in' enlarged detailthe float arm and contact leaves of the coin box shown'in Figs. 3 and 4-, the contact leaves standing in their normal position; Fig. 7 shows a view similar to Fig. 6, the contact leaves being forced down by the weight of a coin resting on the float arm while the same stands in the neutral position; Fig. 8

shows in detail a portion of the interior of the coin box of Figs. 8 and 4-, showing one of the contact leaves whereby a. momentary contact is effected by the passage of 'a'coin along the coin chute; Fig. 9 shows a bottom view of the base of a telephone instrument provided with certain of the contacts shown in the diagram of Fig. 1;:Fig. 10 shows a detail section taken on linej' '10-10 of Fig. 9 looking in the direction of the arrows; Fig. 11 shows a detail section taken on line ll--1l of Fig. 9 looking in the direction of the arrows; Fig. 12 shows a vertical section on small scale showing the mechanical c0nnection'between the receiver hook and certain of the contacts in the base of'the telephone instrument; Fig. 13 shows a wiring diagram showing a modified system of connections embodying certain features of my invention; Fig. 14 shows a detail View of the bottom of a. telephone instrument similarto that shown in Fig. 9, but provided instead wlth certain of thecontacts shown in the diagram of Fig. 13; Fig. 15 shows a section taken on line 1515 of Fig. 14 looking in the direction of the arrows; Fig. 16 shows an enlarged detail of the float arm of the coin.box used in thea *angement shown in the diagram of Fig. 12.-with the contact leaves standing in normal position; and Fig. 17 shows a. view similar to that of Fig. 16,

but with the contact leave; in the position I which they occupy when a ipoin is resting in neutral position on the float arm.

Before considering in detail the mechanical devices which I have illustrated for carrying into effect certain of the features of my invention, I will first describe the corresponding electrical diagrams so as tofacilitate an understanding of the interrelationship which exists between the different mechanical parts illustrated in the several drawings.

maaaae a 1 shows the electrical connections of one arrangement embodying features of my invention. In this case the two wires and 21 are the wires of a party line leading from an exchange I will describe in detail only the connections of one of the stations connected to the party inc, for the reason that the connections in each of the other stations on said party line will be the same or similar to theseillustrated. The lines running into the several stations are designated 23. 2%, 25, and 26. The two wires of the line 26 are the wires 27 and 28, these beingthe wires leading to the particular station under consideration.

The call or ringing lion is designated 29. It is orovided with the usual ringing coils 30 and 3l-and with the resistance 32, should that. be desired. The incoming and outgoing line wires 27 and 28 connect to the tcrminals and 34 respectively. The ring ing coils are connected in series between the outgoing terminal 3-1 and a ringing terminal in the usual manner.

The base of the telephone instrument is designated by the numeral 36, the transmitter' by the numeral 37, and the receiver by the numeral The operation of the receiver liHOli serves to raise and lower a post 39. said post being raised or pulled away from the observer in Fig. 1 when the receiver is placed on the hook and being lowered or forced toward the observer in Fig. I when the receiver is raised from the hook. 'lhesc operations serve to raise and lower a leaf contact 40. so that when the receiver is placed on the hook to raise the post 89, said lca'l' contact will follow the post until it strikes a statirnary contact point 41. On the other hand. \vl en the receiver is raised from the hook, so that the post is forced down. the leaf contact will be pressed into chgzrgrnu'nt with another leaf contact 42, at the same time hrealging the contact which had u viw existed between the leaf 40 and the pol l.

'llu contact points 43, 44, 45, and 46 are the rntact pints of a signal mechanism, uch as is ordinarily used on an automatic toil-plane. liidcr normal conditions, the

points l and l rcnmin in contact, but each time I selector mechanism is operated the oini -1 and it are brcu ht into contact, and are held in contact while the points 4 and ll are separated and brought together a number of times corrcspomling to tilt number of electrical impulses which it desired to impress upon the selector mechanism in the exchange. The operation of this signaling mcchanisu'i well known in the art and l. will not describe the same in further detail.

"l; A 519 carries a contact point l7 'l-tch travels up and down with it, wiping against a leaf contact -18 in the middle portien of each up or down movement to thereby establish a momentary contact therewith during each up or down movement.

T he incoming wire 27 is carried by means of a lead 49 from the post to post 50 in the base of the instrument. and the outgoing wire 28 is connected by a lead 51 from a. post 52 in the base of the instrument to the post 31-. lhc ringing post 35 is connected by a lead to a post 54 in the base of the instrument. The osts 50 and 52 are generally designated the line posts." and they are the posts wherehv coinmunication is established between the telephone and the line during ordinary service. A lead 53 connects the post 50 to the leaf contact l0. and a lead 56 connects the stationary contact point ll with the ringing post 5%. From the above it will no seen that. as long as the receiver remains on the hook. a connection is established octwccn -the posts 50 and 5-1 thereby placing the ringing IHIX directly across the lines 2? and 25. When thus connected, the ringing box is ready to receive any ringing currents which may be delivered ever the lines from the exchange.

The transmitter connected by the leads 57 and 58 with a pair of transmitter posts 59 and 60 in the base of the instrument, and the receiver is connected by a pair of leads 61 and (32 with a pair of receiver posts 63 and 64 in the base of the instrument. A pern'ianent. connection (35 is placed between the posts 60 and 63. so that said posts always are in electrical communication.

It is desired to place the transmitter and receiver in series on the line-that is, to bridge them across the line whenever it is desired to carry on a conversation. A lead 66 connects the leaf contact 42 with the post 64. thereby establishing direct communication with one side of the receiver. Thence the circuitextends through the connection to the transmitter, thus placing the receiver and transmitter in series. A lead 67 connects the post 59 to the Contact points 43 and 45 of the signaling: mechanism through the medium of leads 68, 69, and 70. and a lead 71 places the contact point all in commun cation with the post 52, so that as long as the points 43 and re main in contact. commun cation is established between the transmitter post 59 and the outgo ng line post 52. 9

From the aha-m, it will be seen that, as soon as theteleohone receiver raised from the hook. the rinsing circuit is broken. hv reason of the forcing of the leaf Contact 40 awav from the contact noint 41. but that immcdiatelv the transmitter and receiver are bridged across the line bvthe clos ng of contact between the leaves 40 and 42. Under these circumstances. a conversation may be carried on in the usual manner. I also wish i brought together and held together while the contacts 43 and 44 are separated and brought together the desired number of times to give the desired number of impulses of current on the line for operating the selector mechanism. This signaling current should be sent to the exchange directly without the necessity of passing through the transmitter and receiver of the station. Therefore. I connect a lead 72 from the receiver post 64 to the contact point 46, so that said contact point will be brought to potential equal to that of the incoming line 27 the instant the telephone receiver is raised from the hook. Assuming that the receiver has been raised so as to energize the contact point 46 the s gnaling mechanism mav be operated. This will bring the points 45 and 46 togethenand each time the points 43 andi-t ,come. tbgether an impulse of current will be delivered to the line.

- Such. impulses will be delivered over the circuit as, 49. 50, 5s, 40, 4-2, (so. 64. 72, 4.6, 45. 70, (i9, 43. 44, 71. 52, 51. and 34.

From an examination of the above, it will be seen that. unless other means are provided for b eaking the signaling circuit or for preventing its proper functioning, the selector mechanism at the exchange could be operated bv operat on of the sig naling mechan sm without the necessitv of inserting a coin into the coin box of the calling station. I have. however, provided means for guarding against the above contingcncy, whereby the s gnaling mechanism cannot properly function unt l a coin has been d opped into the box. This is an interlocking means and is based upon the principle that the selector mechan sm of the exchange will only operate througlrthe medium of pulsations of current properly delivered from the calling station. Anv means -or mechanism whatsoever which will prevent the delivering of such pulsations of current will effect the result which I desire, and one of the features of my invention consists in providing suitable mechanisms and connections for preventing the delivery of such pulsations of current from the signaling mechanism of the calling station until a coin has been properly inserted ii o the coin box.

In the particular arrangement illustrated in Fig. 1, I have provided suitable connections whereby the points 43 and 4A of the signaling mechanism are permanently bridged or shunted until a coin is inserted into the box. For this purpose, I have provided within the coin box suitable contacts which remain together until a coin rests on 5 the projecting end of the float arm of the coin box, a movable contact being carried thereby, which contact will'be broken by the weight of the coin resting upon it. The float arm proper is designated by the numeral 73. It is pivoted at the end 74 in the usual manner, so that it can swing either toward or from the observer, as in Fig. l, but it normally stands in a neutral position where it will sustain the coin either directly or through the medium of another contact. This float arm carries a pair of upper contact leaves 75 and 76 and a pair of lower contact leaves 77 and 78. An insulating block 79 joins the leaves 76 and 77 mechanically trgether, although they are electrically insulated from each other. The leaf 76 also carries a contact pin 80, which pin, however, is insulated from the said leaf and from the float arm proper 78 by an insulating block 81, but which pin is electrically connected to the leaf 77. The swinging end 8:2 of the leaf 76 projects into the path of the coin as the same descends down the coin chute, so that the coin will strike and rest upon said projecting end as long as the arm stands in the neutral position. From the above it will be seen that the springs 76 and 77 normally stand in the position illustrated in Fig. 1, so that under such circumstances the leaves 75 and 77 are in electrical contact through the medium of the pin 80. while the end 82 is out of contact from the float arm 73 and the leaves 77 and 78 are also out of contact from each other.

It will be understood that the coin box is designated by the numeral 83. It is provided with the terminal posts 84, 85, 86. 87, and 88. The leaf contact 75 is connected to the terminal post 86 through the medium of the leads 89 and 90, while the leaf contact 77 is connected to the terminal post 87 through the medium-of the lead 1. The terminal post 86 connects to the L itgoi'ng line post 52 on the base of the instrument through the medium of the lead 92. while the terminal post 87 connects to the transmitter 'post 59 on the base of the instrument through the medium of. the lead 93.

It will be seen that the posts 59 and 52 are This connection between the iposts 59 and 52 is established through the niediuni of the loads 92 and 93 and the leaf contact '75 and the 80 carried by the iioat arm of the coin box. Therefore. until this shunting cirruit is broken. it will be ineffectual to maiie and break thecontacts 43 and 414. is soon as a coin is dropped into the coi box and rests on the projecting end 8:? of the leaf contact T6, the same will be forced down to carry the pin 80 away from the leaf Contact 75. thereby openiin tl' circuit a d permitting the I IllSIR to function properly ior tion of the pulsations of current necessary to operate the selector mechanism in the clichange.

, It will presently be seen that the act of hanging up the receiver serves to throw an impulse of current into the coin bus; in such a man or as to swing the float arm in the direction nece sary to return the coin. Therefore. unless Jeans are irovidcd for preventing the calling cn a crnvcrsation While the coin stands on the float arm. it will be seen that the telephrne crn'ipany might be depri of their fee for the service. I have. therefore. provided interlocking cvnnectirns Wherel as long as the coin stands on the float arm in the manner above described. the talking circuit, by which is meant the circuit including the trai isuiitta and receiver. is so interrupted or interfered with that a conversation could nrt be carried on between the ruling: station and any other station to iich ccnncction might l ado. parthrular arrangein. th s into i means might be subsiitucd for aching this resu t or i-rruntiui iv 11 the talking and listerunn circuit for this or for a similar purpose.

it has been sho 'n that. long as the coin reg: the liozt arin. it dc irc. the prol' f l e ea'f contact H) and also the leat emit-act 7T hrough the inediua'i of 1" T9. This depression of connection between the caves T7 and 7%. It was previously stated that the contact T? connects by mean; of the lead 91. terminal 7. and lead, 93. with the transmitter post base of he instrinnent. The leaf contact connec by means oi the loads 9-? and 3 to the post SS. and the post connects by the means of the lead 96 with the transmitter post in the base of the instrument. Therefore. as soon the leaf contacts Ti and 78 are orought together by establishes an elcctricalthe bresenc e of a coin standing on the 'projecting end 82 of the leaf contact 76 adir'ect connection will be established between the transmitter posts 59 and 60, thereby shunting the transmitter and interfering with its oncraton in the manner previously described. However, it will be seen that as long as the above condition exists, the receirer will bu oonnected directly across the lines through the medium of the circuit 33, if), 50. 55, l0. l2. 84. 6"). receiver 33, 61, 6.3, (so, an, as, in. 78, 72', 91, ST, 93, on s, as, e4, 71, and 34.. In

of the fact that. under these circum- Would be practicallydouble its normal amount there might be dance of burning out the receiver. To obviate this possibility, I have provided a resistance 97 between the leads 9-1- and 93 which resistance is suitably proportioned. to allow that amount of current to be shunted away from the transmitter as to effectually prevent the carrying on ot a conversation, but rithout the danger of producing an excess current through the reccirer which might damage or perinancntly iniure the same.

A. study of the above mechanisms and connections will show that. in the particular arrangement illustrated in Fig. l. the operation of the li. chino; circuit. that is. of the receiver. not interfered with bf. the presence of coin standing; on the proiectinp; cod of the spring contact 76. but that the presence of such coin simply interrupts or intert'ercs with the talking or transmitting circuit. Therefore. it is possible \ritlrthe above arnangemeut for the calling party to listen in his receiver until he hears a responsc from the called station. Whether such rospon c be the voice of the called party, or coal from the exchange showing that the line of the called nartv is busy. In e ther circumstance. the calling Party can adjust himself to the uarticulrr circumstances and act accordingly. iithecalled party properly responds. the calling party can carrv on a conversation with him by iiist collecting the coin which has been .Ul'llIlQ on the pzjerting end of the as to permit the lcai conlcai contact To so tacts T7 and (S to separate. This collection is citcctcd by means of a push button 98 the coils 99 and 100 of Fig. 1, and for purposes of convenience we shall designate the coil 99 the collect coil and the coil 100 the return coil. A lead 101 extends from the incoming post 50 in the base of the instrument to the terminal post .85 on the coin box. From this point leads 102 and 103 connect to the float arm 73 so that the same is constantly energized with current of the polarity of the post 50 in the base of the instrument. which polarity is that of the wire 27. The leaf contact 76 connects by a lead 101 to one side of the push button 98, the other side of the push button connecting bya lead 105 to one end of the collect coil 99. The'other end of said collect coil con nects by a lead 100 with the lead 90 which in turn connects to the terminal post 86 of the coin box.

From the above it will be evident that depression of the button 98 will close a circuit through the collect coil 99 as follows: 33, 49,

50, 101, 85, 102, 103, 73, 76, 101, as, 105, through the collect coil 99, 106, 90, 86, 92, 52, 51, and 34. Therefore, as soon as the calling party has obtained the desired connecticn, he may depress the button 98, there- 4 byenergizing the collect coil in the direction from the lead to the lead 106, thus causing the float arm to be swung in the proper direction for collecting, and thereby clearing the float arm, collecting the 'coin, and separating the leaf contacts 77 and78 to remove the shunt connection from the transmitter. This last operation will serve to remove the impediment which previously existed to the proper functioning of the transmitter, thus ermitting. a conversation to be carried on reely with the other station. It will also be seen that the connection is thus reestablished between the pin 80 and the leaf contact 75, thereby again restoring the impediment to the proper functioning, of the selector mechanism, so that another coin will have to be inserted into tween the points 47 and 48 in the base of the instrument as the receiver is placed on the hook. nects to a terminal post 107 on the base of the instrument, which post in turn connects by a lead 108 to the-t rminal post 84 of the coin box. The latter 0 mnects by a lead 109 to one end of the return coil, the other end thereof connecting by the lead 110 to the The stationary contact 48 con-' lead 102. Under these circumstances, when a momentary contact is established between the points 47 and 48 as above described, an impulse of current is delivered through the coil by the circuit 33, 49, 50, 101, 85, 102, 110, return coil 100, 109, 84, 108, 107, 48, 47, 111, 71, 52, 51, and 34. Therefore the act of replacing the receiver on the telephone hook will return the coin in case the same has not previously been collected.

It was previously stated that one of the objects of the present invention is to provide an arrangement whereby, in case the party line to which the callin station is connected happens to be in use, it will be impossible to interferewith the operation thereof, and that in case a coin should be inserted into the coin box of such interfering station, suchcoin would be automatically and immediately returned. This result I am enabled to accomplish by reason of the fact that the automatic telephone system, as or dinarily used, is such that, when a line is in service, its polarity is automatically reversed by the selector mechanism in the ex change and remains reversed as long as such line is in use. I make'use of this fact for the purpose of delivering a momentary impulse of current through the relay coilsof' the coin box in a reverse direction by the insertion of a coin into the slot of such coin box, thereby swinging or throwing-the float arm to the position which it must occupy in order to return the coin. Although this impulse is momentary in character, being delivered by passage of the coin along the coin slot, still I will presently describe one form of mechanism which I have provided for locking the float arm in the return'position, so that a single impulse of current which throws the float arm to return position will be sufiicient to lcck said arm in,

such position, thereby forcing the coin to pass down to the point of exit even though turii. coil through the lead 114, while the contact 113 connects to the other end of the collect coil through the medium of the lead 115. \Vhen the coin passes along the chute to bring the contacts 112 and 113 together, a momentary impulse of current will be delivered over the following circuit in the direction indicated by its reading, bearing in mind the fact that the polarity of the line has been reversed by the selector mechanism at the exchange: 34, 51, 52, 92, 86, 90, 106,

through the collect coil 99 in reverse direction, 115, 113, 112, 114, through thg a qnrn (ill therefore no desirable result would be pro- (laced-but that the float arm would remain stationary in the neutral position. It is possible, however, by properly designing and arranging the coils of the coin box with respect to each other, with respect to their armaturcs. and with respect to the tioat arm, to produce a construction wherein this momentary energizing of both of the coils will serve to swing the lloat arm in the direction inicessarv for returning the coin, thereby accomplishing the result desired. The mechanism, whereby the float is locked in its return position after being moineniiarilv swung into such position. will be presently illustrated and described.

in examination of the above arrangement will show that it is impossible for the collect coil to be energized, unless the above mentioned momentary contact is established between the points 112 and 113, or unless the button 98 is pressed to establish connection between the leads 101 and 105. It is also seen that it is impossible for the return coil to be energized unless the m0- mcntary contact is established between the points 112 and 113, or unless the momentary contact is established between the points 17 and 48 in the base of the instrument by a removal or replacement of the receiver from or to the hook. Therefore, no change in the electrical condition of the incoming: and outgoing lines 27 and 28 can serve to energize eitheethe. collect or return coils, while the button 98 remains'open or until a coin is passed down the hute to bring the contacts 112 aml 113 together. or unless the receiver hook is raised or lowered. These facts are ot importance for the reason that. on account of them, the operation ot the coin box of the station considered is independent of any other station on the party line, to the extent that an interference with the conditions of the party line by another party on such party line will not collect or return a 1 coin which may be standing on the float arm ol the coin box at the station illustrated in Fig. 1. Thus 1 have removed one of the great objections which has heretofore cxisted to the use of a coin box in connection with partv line telephones operating on an automatic svstem.

In Fig. 1 have shown diagrammatically the electrical connections of a modified y which neve tireless embodies certain features of my present invention. In this case also the lines 20 and 21 are the wires of a party line extending from an exchange 2'). There are. shown four stations connected to this party line, namely, 23, ll, 23, and 26, but only the station 26 is illustrated in detail as the stations 23, '21, and are duplicates ol the same. The incoming and out going lines of the station 2e are the wires 27 and 23. 'l'he ringing box oi this station indicated at '3!) and is provided w th the cusiomar coils 3i) and 31 which are connected in series with a resistance 32, should that be desired. The incoming and outgoing wires connect to the terminals 33 and 3 1 of th ringing box, and the ringing coils of such box are connected to the outgoing terminal :31 and the ringing terminal 3-5.

The base of the. telephone. is shown at 36, and the transmitter and receiver thereof are shown at 237 and 38. This telephone instrument is provided with a vertically movable post l which falls and rises with the rising and falling of the receiver hook in the same anner as was described in connection with the arrangementshown in Fig. 1. This rising an'. falling of the post 39 operates the leaf contact 10 in the manner previously described to malce contact with the point 4-1 or with another lcat' contact 42. The. signaling contacts 13. ll. and =16 perform functions similar to those of the arrangement previously des-iihed for operating the selector mechanism in the exchange.

Th incoming post 33 is connected by a lead 116 to an incoming post 117 in the base of the instrument. and'the outgoing post 3 1: is connected by a lead 118 to an outgoing post 11$! in the base of the instrument. A lead 120 connects the ringing post '25 with a ringing post 121 in the base of the instrument, w hich latter in turn connects J'a' a lead 122 with the fixed contact point 1 in the base of the. instrument. A lead. '23 establishes communication between the leaf ll) and the incoming post 117, so that as long as the receiver remains on the hook, the r nging circuit is closed to receive r nging: c irrent which may be delivered over the line from the exchange.

The transmitter connects by leads 12- and 125 with transn'iitter posts 196 and 127 in the base of the instrument. and the receiver connects by leads 19S and 1'2?) with the receiver posts 130 and 131 in the base of the instrument. A lead 132 is permanently connected between the posts 127 and 130, so that the transmitter and receiver are always in communication with each other. A. lead 138 places the leaf contact l2 ern anently in connection with the post 131. A lead 1% establishes a permanent connection between the post 126 and the contacts 13 the coils of the coin box into operation -either for the purpose of collecting or returning the coin. The leaf 139 is permanently connected to the outgoing post 119 through the medium of a lead 142, and the leaf 140 is connected to the contact point 44 of the signaling mechanism through the me-i dium of the leads 143 and 144. Vith the arrangement thus far described, it will be seen that, as long as the push button remains in its normal position, being the position illustrated in Fig. 13, and as long as the signal contacts 43 and 44 remain together that the transmitter and receiver will becut across the line in series by the circuit 33, 116, 117, 123, 40, 42, 133, 131, 129, receiver as, 128, 130, 132, 127, 125, transmitter 37, 1'24, 126, 134, 136, 137, 43, 44, 144, 143, 140, 139, 142, 119, 11s, and 34.

Vhen it is desired to operate the selector mechanism at the exchange the contacts 45 and 46 of the signaling mechanism are brought together and are held together during an interval while the contacts 43 and 44 are opened and closed the necessary-number of times to give the desired number of electrical impulses on the line. Under these circumstances, the s gnaling circuit will he as 10110115; 111;, 117, 123, 40, 42. 133, 131, 145, through the contacts 46 and 45, 135, 136, 137, contacts 43 and 44, 144, 143, 140, 139, 142, 119, 118. and 34. With the connections asabove described, it would be possible to operate the selector mechanism without placing a coin in the coin box. I have, however, in the present case provided a precaution against this possibility. similar to the precaution illustrated and described in connection with the arrangement of Fig. 1, namely. the shunting of the contacts 43 and 44 unt l a co n inserted into the coin box and allowed to stand on the proiecting end of the float arm or a contact carried thereby.

The float arm is designated by the numeral 146. It is pivoted at its end 147, and its end 148 is free to swing in either direction depending upon whether a coin is to be collected or returned. but said end normally stands in a neutral position where it will sustain the coin. A leaf contact 149 is provided above the float arm proper and a similar leaf contact 150 is provided below it. These leaf contacts are rigidly connected together by an insulatin rod or bar 151, so that they rise and falftogether, but are both insulated from the float'arm proper, although at times one or the other of them may make contact with the float arm. These leaf contacts swing back and forth with the float arm in its movements, and as long as the floatarm stands in the neutral position the coin will rest on the projecting end 152 of the upper contact 149. 'T he leaf contacts normally stand in the position shownin Fig. 13 so that contact is established between the float arm 146 and the lower leaf contact 150, but as long as'the coin rests on the upper contact 149, the same will be depressed so asfito force the lower leaf 150 away from the float arm and to simultaneously carry the upper contact 149 into engagement with the arm.

The contacting of the lihver leaf 150 with the float arm shunts the contacts 43 and 44 of the signaling mechanism in'the following manner: the leads 136 and 137 connect by another lead 153 with the post 154 in the base of the instrument,-which post, in turn connects by a lead 155 with a post 156 on the coin box. This post 156 in turn connects by the lead'157 with the float arm 146. Another lead 158 connects the lower leaf contact 150 with a post 159 of the coin box, which in turn connects by a lead 160 with the outgoing line post 119 in the base of the instrument. While the button 138 stands in its normal position the contact 44 communicates with the outgoing line post 119 by the circuit 142, 139,140, 143, and 144. Therefore, under these circumstances the contacting of the tower leaf 150 against the float arm 146 shunts the contacts 43 and 44 by the circuit 137, 153, 154, 155, 1511, 157, 146, 150, 158, 159, 160, 119, 142, 139, 140, 143, and 144. Therefore in the present arrangement it is necessary to insert a coin into the coin box for the purpose of breaking the contact between the leaf 150 and the fioatarm 146 before the signaling mechanism can be effectively operated for the purpose of delivering the impulses to the line necessary for operating the selector mechamsm.

It might be assumed that, While the coin still stood on the projecting end 152 of the the li- Was prci'iousl shown that the host arm izself is c mcu'i thruu 'h the medium of tlr The terminal 154 in '(HIR cmnacci the transmitter gjosls, namely. the medium of the icsals 53, 13%, our. 'llierefore, the liost arm is permanently conuectecl to the transmitter pus; The up per leaf contact- 149 connecss to the other transmitter post 1:27 through the medium of the leads 16L 162 "post 163 on the coin box,

and lead 16%. Therefore, us long as a coinrests on the projecting cud of the upper leaf Contact to force the some down against lhe float arm. the transmitter is shunted by he (fllCUli; 12?, 15+, 1623, use, 161, is). 116. 15;. 150. 15s. ll, 153. 136, 1.34. and 126. it will be seen iihut, under these circunr slum-cs, the receiver still remains in circult. so that the calling paruy can lisicn and have knowledge as to Whether or not the 1'illL(l part5: resowls to the signal.

in order to carry on a convem tion after she culled party has responded I: is necessary to clear the loot arm so as to break coulur'i between the leaf HO and float mm 146, t thereby rut the trausinitmnbuck into service This is accomplished by collecting the coin into the coin box The coin box is provided with two coils 166 and 167 which we icrumiusntly conuect-eilin series by the lmul 165. the outer curls of these coils conucvliug respectively to the posts 169 and 1? {1 ml the coin box through medium of hauls 171. 17-2. The post lTl) connects by c lmul 174 with the incoming post 112' in the lmsvof the instrument. while the post 169 connects h :1 lead 1T5 with u post lTSin the imse of the instrument. which post in turn. connects by a lead 1?? with the contaca ill oi" the huttou 138. Therefore, the depresslug of the hution 138, after culling out the ml ling and listening circ ifi, cuts in both oi :hc coils in series the line the 13!), 1&2, 119- 118. and The coils of the coin ho are so woun'l that, under these circumstances, the float arm will he deflected o that side necessary for collecting the coin. The ordinary automatic telephone system so constructed that, in case the called party fails to respond or in case his line is busy, his selector mechanism is TBVQEEBCl in polarity at the exchange. Therefore, if

crrzmgernent of Fig. 1,

f em; with hixn,-s current of rcverse polarity l 2 Lilli ll flow through the line of calli g Therefore if, under these the billion 133 should be dev, current of reverse polarity will 'ou 'h the circuit just described, there's; ener izing the coils of the coin box direction and causing ilfl'.fi02ii; srzn be thrown in the direction foireturning foe ccIu instead of collecting the some. 1 erefole, the depi'essing of the cuticn 12-33 will automatically return the coin if attempt to secure connection with. the called party were unsuccessful.

will be seen from the above that the arrangement of Fig. 13, thus for described, similar to that shown in Fig. l. in that uniil u is inserted into the coin box and rests on the flow: arm While the same stands in the neutral position, it is impossible to QEGCiZlTQlY operate the signaling mechanism, and'in that when the coin is inserted into the coin ho and stands on'the float arm it serves to interfere with the operation of the transmitter in such a We} as to preventth'e carrying on of CGDYQZSQ-tlfifi "until the coin 111s been collected into the coin 'cox.

I shall now describe thsjparticuiar mechanical constructions and. embodiments vhich I here illusire'ted in the drawings, for the ur3 acse of carrying into efiect the principles and feuiures of invention heretofore described in connection with the electrical diagrams illusnated in Figs. 1 and 13. E shall first describe the mechanism: illustrated for use in connection with 'the and shall they: consider the modified mechanisms for use in connection. with he arrangement illustrated in Fig. 13.

Fig to S inclusive illustrate one.

'3 D struction of coin box embodying features of the present invention. This he: is of the general form and arran familiar in the art but is provided with lain necessary modifications and addi which iclapt it for use in the presentv e. The upper portion 178 of the coin Clliilfi slants downwardly and reurwardly rom opening 179 to point 180 Where it deflects sudolenl i and extends in a substantially vertical direction. lis shape is such that, when the coin is inseriel ihroi the opening 15 is will run down o *1 lhc extending curl 8i: cfihe ed the flout arm 73 lion. if the end V the neutral 3? 1e float :zrrn is the h ll: )Il Fig. 3T--t coin s i down through a branch a branch chute 183 and would have found exit at the point 184, to be caught in a pocket 185 of the usual and well known con struction.

The relay used for controlling the movements of the float arm in the present case is preferably what is known as a polarized relay -that is, one which when energized a proper insulation of'the with current in one direction will tend to throw the float arm in a corresponding direction, while if it is energized with current in a reverse direction it will tend to reverse the position of the float arm. The coils 99 and 100 described in connection with Fig. 1 are the same coils 99 and 100 as are illustrated in Figs. 4 and 5. They are rigidly mounted in a suitable framework and. have the active ends of their magnetic cores at the is pivotedon a line extending between the coils so that it' can swing about a vertical axis 189, the movements of the arm being controlled by theenergizing of the coils 99 and 100. 1

The armature is rigidly connected to the float arm73, so that normally the energizing of the coil 100 swings the float arm to the rear; and normally the energizing of the coil 99 swings the float arm forward. The contact leaves 75, 76, 77, and 78 are carried by the float arm but are respectively insulated from each other and from the float arm in the manner shown at 190 in Figs. 6 and 7.

As is shown particularly in Fig. 7, when a coin 191 descends down through the coin chute, it will strike and rest upon the extending end 82 of the leaf contact 76. With the arrangement illustrated particularly in Figs. 6 and 7, such contacting ofthe coin against the leaf contact 76 will ground the same on the frame of the coin box. At first t ought this might seem to be undesirable,

. but it will be seen that whenever the coin is resting on the said leaf contact 76 the latter is in contact with the float arm 73 which in turn is grounded on the frameof the box, and thereforeno undesirable result will follow from such grounding by the coin, Of

course, under some circumstances it might arm 73 and all be desired to keep the float of the leaf contacts away from any possible ground connection, and this could'be' done by pr per insulation of the float arm at its point of bearing or thereabouts, and by upper surface of the leaf contact 76.

It was stated in considering the arrangement shown diagrammatically in Fig. 1. that the raising and lowering of the post v39 in the telephone instrument by the operation of the receiver hook serves to cause a momentary contact between the points' 47 and 48in the base of the instrument. It was also shown that the passage of a coin along the coin chute creates a momentary engagement of the contacts 112 and 113 in the coin box, either one of which momentary contacts will throw an impulse of current into the coils of the relay so as to momentarily swing the float arm in the direction necessary for returning the coin. In order to insure a proper operation under these circumstances, the float arm should be locked in the return position by such impulse, and therefore I have provided positive mechanism for insuring suclra locking engagement. In the particular embodiment illustrated, this locking mechanism comprises the finger 192 carried by a lever arm'193 which is pivoted at the point 194 adjacent the coin chute, and is adapted to engage the forward face 195 of the float arm when the latter is thrown rearward for the purpose of catching and holding the same to insure a proper return of the coin. In order to facilitate this locking operation the under face 196 of the end of the float arm is beveled so that it will more readily ride over the finger 192 to insure a proper locking engagement.

With the abovearrangement it will be seen that the float arm will be locked in the return position, although swung into such position by a momentary impulse. Means must, however, be provided for disengaging the float arm when the coin is introduced into the coin chute so as to permit the float arm to stand in neutral position ready to engage such coin if need be. For this purpose, I have provided a finger 197 carried by a link 198 which in turn is vertically movable and has its lower end connected to the lever 193 at the point 199. The raising of the finger 197 willserve, dium of the said link, to swing the lever 193, thereby lowering its finger and disengaging the float arm to permit the same to return to neutral position. By properly proportion ing the parts, the stand in such position with respect to the coin chute that the introduction of a coin through the opening 179 will cause a sufficient lowering of the finger 192 to disengage the float arm; 1

For the purpose of bringing the contacts 112 and 113 together momentarily during the passage of a coin along the chute, I have 'provided a form of construction illustrated particularly in Figs. 3, 4, and 8. In this case a leaf contact 200 is carried by the frame of the coin'box, but is insulated therefrom, and, stands at a point adjacent the coin chi te. Another leaf contact 201,'as best shown in Fig. 4, stands immediately behind the leaf 200 and carries a button 20?, which projects out slightly into the path of the coin. The passage of the coin along the chute will serve to throw the button to oneside,.thereby bringing the leaf contacts 200 .and'801 together momentarily. Inasmuch through the me- 4 finger 197 Wlll normally vii nositi the pa 3 l was previously rleecrihecl 1n Z lo 12 inclusive. l. have shoivnin ll. those poi-lions of the mechanical strum 1 ture in ihe telephone instrument ieself which are herein adapted for obtaining the necessary electzioal contacis i'or the arrangement shown :lhigramma'ticall in Fig. 1. The lowei'ing of the receiver hook 203 serves to wise e 0st 20% which extends down into the base the instrument carries insulating block 205. The leaf Contact 40 normally stands inthe raise-fl posifzion shown in Fig. 11 to engage the contectpoint all. By 26 the lowering of the insulating block which accompanies a lemon of the receiver from the hook. the leaf COIliHCt 40 is forced away from the 09mm point 41 and into en gegement with the'leef Contact 42. Both of the said leaf contacts are earried by an insulating block 206,415 shown in Fig. 9.

The contact- J carried by the block 205 serves to Wipe momentarily against the contact 4e upop. either an up or clown move- 50 ment of? the insulating block. This construction will he understood pmticulai-ly by reference t-Q'Fig. iii in which the block 207 shown in the position which it oe cnpies while receive" stands on the hook. 35 The coneaei, 4:8 is chi-yin hynn insulating hloel: 29'? mount tl 1112111; 1" koe'ivn x1e usual and Well embodies the use of 2309. :he retetions of :e hml break the contacts so provided with a swing} n brings tajigeiher the con- -2 iming the lotetion of the e opez'ation in accordance s lliscu ea. in connection a of Fig. 1. In Fig. 2 1 ill ihe contacts 43. 4%, l5, positiohwhich ehe occupy nth -.1e el cti-ieal diagrams. and 15. l have shown in iletail 1* ir. the base of the t he adapt the same for with the arrangement- .ln this case the button i the base of the ielephone 1 directly connected to the 139 by means of an in contact leav s 139,

" more it-usil iilenti'ivinv them instmmient micl'glle eon-cue; sulating olocl;

1&0, and 1&1 em: mounted. on the li'lSLl t ng p block 212 m the oi the instrument, as is shown yarifiicnle l; 1%.

the eomtnhle cam sin-face for 'sition for collecting ehe coin, movable conin .Fi s. ll 1 have shown in ci'eteil the mcsihfied eonshuction of fleet arm he sery for use in connection with the n merit illustrated in g. 13. and the m tions shown in Figs. J5 and 1'? wil L ily understood by i'efei'enoe to l inclusive, and particularly 6 m I WiSll particularly to emphasize that with the arrangements herein and described, 1 have pi ovicleil inch falibies of such interrelationship th imperative for the calling party to en coin i his coin box and cause the 5: stand on or he suppozterl by ilie float While the letter stands in neutral hei'oire it is possible for him to c erate. his signaling mechanism to aotueu: selector mechanism o'fihe exchange in order to secure connection with another pansy. Also that by means of the arrangement l in shown and described, I have made '1: imperative for the calling pin-3v to collect in. coin into his coin box before it is possiblei. :12 him. to carry on a conversation with a eellli party. The above results are obtained wii" out eerrying the main talking and listen; circuits into the coin box, so that the tiveness of their operation is entirely inclependent lhe eifeciiveness of any contain which may be established in the coin box.

I Wish also to call purticulai etteniion to the fact that all of the above results are mined without impairing the effectiveness of the listening circuit at any time so the; the calling party can always have information as to Whethez' or not he has been successful in seeming connection with the called party. and also to the fee; that the lib-OVE results are obtained without in the least impairing the effectiveness of opera-Lion of an; station as :1 receiving station to he called by any othe? station.

I claim:

l. in a telephone systen the con'lhimition of talking and listening ins'tmmenealities, signaling mechanism, :1 prepay box, a float mm in the prepay box. an interconnection. between the float arm and the signaling mechanism for the purpose of shunting the latter until 21 min is supported by thelioet- Min. and interconnections between the float arm and the talking instrumentnlity for the purgose of shunting the latter While a. coin stands on the float arm, substantially as (leseribecl.

In 11 telephone system, the combination of talking and listening.instrumentalities, selector mechanism operable by pulsations of current, si naling mechanism for cleliw ei'ing p ilsat'ions of current to the selector mechanism a prepay box, a float arm in the prepay box, a polarized relay for actuating the loat arm to throw the same either into position for returning a coin or into a po tacts carried by the float arm, interconneccoin stands on the float arm, lHtGICOIIDQC,

tions between the contacts of the float arm and the talking instrumentahty, for the purpose of rendering the latter ineflective to deliver talking currents while a coin stands on the float arm, means for energizing the polarized relay to swing the float arm into position for returning the coin, and means for energizing the polarized relay for the 'purpose of swinging the float arm to collect the coin, substantially as described.

3. In a party line telephone system, the combination of selector mechanism operable by pulsations of current, a station including talking and listening instrumentalities, signaling mechanism for the purpose of delivering pulsations of current to the selector mechanism for actuating the same, means for reversing the polarity of the station when connection is established with another station by the selector mechanism, a prepay box, a float arm in the same, a polarized relay for swinging the'float arm into position to return a coin or into position to "collect the coin, and a contact for energizing the polarized relay in reverse direction to swing the float arm into position to return the coin in case the polarity of the station is reversed by the selector mechanism, substantially. as described.

i. In a party line elephone system, the comi-ination of an exchange, a plurality of stations, a party line connecting one or more stations with the exchange, selector mechanism in the exchange operable by pulsations of current from the aforesaid party line to secure connection thereof with another station, the party line station including talking and listening instrumentalities, signaling mechanism for delivering pulsations of current to the line for the purpose of actuating the selector mechanism in the exchange, a prepay box, a float arm, a polarized relay for swinging the float arm either into position for returning a coin or into position for collecting the coin, the selector mechanism acting to reverse the polarity of the line in case the same is in use, and a contact for delivering an impulse of current of reversed direction to the relay in case the party line rent for each party line, each selector mechanism being adapted to reverse the polarity of its party line when the latter is in use, one or more stations connected to each arty line, each station including talking and listening instrumentalities, signaling mechanism for actuating the corresponding selector mechanism at the exchange, a prepay box, a float arm, a polarized relay for swinging the float arm either into, position -for returning the coin or into position for collecting the coin, and a contact for delivering an impulse of current to the polarized relay for the purpose of swinging the float arm into position to return the coin in case the line is in use and had its polarity reversed by the selector mechanism at the exchange, substantially as described.

6. In a telephone system, the combination of talking and listening instrumentalities, connections for placing the same in series across a party line, selector mechanism operable by pulsations of current, signaling mechanism for delivering pulsations of current to the selector mechanism for actuating the same, a pre my box. a float arm in the same adapted, w ile in the neutral position, to sustain a coin. and adapted to return the coin when thrown in one direction, and to collect the coin when thrown in the other directioi1 ..movable contacts carried by said float arm. a resistance coil, interconnections between the-signaling mechanism and the float arm for rendering the signaling mechanism ineiiective to deliver'pulsations of current to the selector mechanism until a coin is supported by the float arm, and interconnections between the float arm, resistilllt't coil. and talking instrumentality for the purpose of shunting the latterwith said resistance coil as long as a coin is supported by the float arm, to thereby render the talking instrlunentality ineffective to deliver talking currents to the line, substantially as described.

ODILON BRISBOIS. Witnesses WM. Lonnrnn, J r., Ermmnr Baxxrxc. 

